12 Common Things That Are About 40 Centimeters Long

Have you ever needed to estimate a measurement quickly but didn’t have a ruler on hand? Understanding common lengths like 40 centimeters (about 15.7 inches) can be incredibly useful in everyday life.

Whether you’re measuring for furniture, choosing the right sports equipment, or simply satisfying your curiosity, recognizing objects of this length can be a handy skill.

From musical instruments to household tools, 40 centimeters is a measurement that appears more often than you might think.

How Long is 40 Centimeters?

40 centimeters is just under half a meter, making it a moderately long measurement that fits within many daily contexts. It’s comparable to the length of a typical laptop, a standard skateboard deck, or a small travel pillow. This makes it an easy reference point for visual estimation.

1. A Standard Skateboard Deck

Skateboarding is a widely popular sport and hobby, and the deck (the board part of a skateboard) comes in various sizes. A short skateboard deck typically measures around 40 centimeters, making it ideal for children and beginners. While full-sized skateboards range from 70 to 80 centimeters, mini cruisers and training boards often stick to this 40-centimeter mark.

The compact size allows for easier maneuverability, especially for young skaters learning the basics. Interestingly, skateboarding gained mainstream recognition in the 1970s, and ever since, different board sizes have catered to different riding styles.

2. A Medium-Sized Keyboard

Computer keyboards come in various layouts, and many medium-sized models measure around 40 centimeters in length. These keyboards strike a balance between compactness and usability, making them ideal for office setups, gaming stations, and home offices.

While full-sized keyboards can reach 45 to 50 centimeters, many tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards—those without a number pad—are closer to the 40-centimeter mark. This size is great for portability without sacrificing typing comfort. Fun fact: the first commercial computer keyboard was introduced in the 1960s, and today’s mechanical keyboards often take inspiration from those early designs.

3. A Violin Bow

A violin bow plays a crucial role in producing sound from the instrument, and many violin bows measure approximately 40 centimeters long. While full-sized bows for adults range from 74 to 75 centimeters, bows for smaller violins (such as 1/4-sized violins) typically fall within the 40-centimeter range.

This length is important for young violinists who need a well-balanced bow for smoother playing. The history of violin bows dates back to the Baroque period, and over time, they have evolved in materials and design, improving the sound quality and ease of use.

4. A Standard Towel Rod

Towel rods, commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, often measure around 40 centimeters. This length is perfect for holding hand towels or small bath towels without taking up too much space on the wall.

Installing a towel rod of this size ensures that towels dry properly, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mildew. Did you know? The use of towel racks dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations using wooden or metal rods for hanging fabrics and garments.

5. A Large Ruler or Drawing T-Square

Architects, artists, and students frequently use large rulers or T-squares, many of which are about 40 centimeters long. These tools are essential for precise measurements, straight lines, and technical drawings.

While standard school rulers are 30 centimeters, larger rulers and T-squares provide extra length for bigger projects. Interestingly, the earliest known measuring tools date back to ancient Egypt, where rulers were crafted from ivory and wood.

6. A Short Baseball Bat

Baseball bats vary in size, but a short training bat or a child’s bat often measures around 40 centimeters. These bats are designed to help young players develop their swing technique before transitioning to full-sized bats.

Shorter bats offer better control and improve hand-eye coordination, making them a crucial tool in baseball training. A fun fact: the shortest bat ever used in a professional game was just 15 inches (38 cm) long, proving that size doesn’t always determine effectiveness!

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7. A Travel Neck Pillow

If you’ve ever taken a long flight or road trip, you might be familiar with travel neck pillows. Many of these pillows measure around 40 centimeters in length, providing optimal neck support for sleeping while sitting upright.

Memory foam and microbead-filled travel pillows have gained popularity for their comfort and ability to prevent neck strain. Interestingly, ancient civilizations also used travel cushions, though they were often made from wood or stone rather than the soft materials we use today!

8. A Rolling Pin

Rolling pins are essential kitchen tools used for baking, and many standard rolling pins measure around 40 centimeters in length. This size allows for even pressure distribution when flattening dough for cookies, pies, and pastries.

Traditional rolling pins are made of wood, but modern variations also use stainless steel or marble for different textures and cooling effects. Interestingly, rolling pins have been in use for over 2,000 years, with ancient civilizations using simple cylindrical tools to roll out their dough.

9. A Toy Sword

Many toy swords designed for children’s play or cosplay measure around 40 centimeters. This length makes them easy to handle while still looking realistic for fantasy play.

Toy swords have been a staple in childhood games for centuries, mimicking historical weapons from knights and pirates to samurais. Did you know? The earliest toy weapons date back to ancient Rome, where children played with wooden replicas of gladiator swords.

10. A Camera Tripod (Compact Size)

Compact camera tripods, particularly those designed for travel photography, often have a collapsed length of around 40 centimeters. This makes them highly portable while still providing stability for taking sharp, high-quality photos.

Many professional photographers prefer this size for lightweight setups. Interestingly, the first patent for a tripod-like camera stand was filed in the 19th century, revolutionizing long-exposure photography.

11. A Car Wiper Blade

Many car wiper blades, especially those for smaller vehicles, are approximately 40 centimeters long. This size ensures effective windshield clearing without being too large for compact cars.

Properly sized wiper blades are crucial for safe driving in rainy or snowy conditions. Did you know? The first automatic windshield wiper was invented in 1903 by Mary Anderson, who was inspired after watching trolley drivers struggle with visibility in bad weather.

12. A Fishing Rod (Telescopic)

Many compact or telescopic fishing rods, designed for portability, have a collapsed length of around 40 centimeters. This makes them perfect for hikers and travelers who enjoy fishing on the go.

These rods are designed to extend several times their collapsed length while still being easy to carry. A fun fact: The earliest fishing rods date back to ancient Egypt, where simple sticks and lines were used to catch fish from the Nile River.

Real-World Applications & Measurement Tips

Being able to estimate 40 centimeters without a ruler can be quite handy. Here are a few ways to visualize this measurement:

• Compare it to a laptop: Most laptops are slightly longer than 40 cm, making them a good reference point.
• Use your forearm: The average adult forearm measures around 40 cm from elbow to wrist.
• Think of two standard school rulers: Since one school ruler is 30 cm, adding an extra third of its length brings you close to 40 cm.

For measuring without a ruler, you can use everyday objects like books, bottles, or even standard sheets of paper (which are about 30 cm long) to estimate the length.

Conclusion

Recognizing objects that are about 40 centimeters long can be surprisingly useful in daily life. Whether you’re selecting the right-sized equipment, making home improvements, or estimating dimensions on the go, this measurement plays a role in various contexts.

Now, here’s a fun challenge: Look around your home or office how many objects around 40 centimeters can you find? You might be surprised at how often this length appears in your everyday surroundings!